American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day, celebrated every November 12, shines a light on these intelligent and affectionate domesticated rodents. Often misunderstood, fancy rats and mice are beloved pets known for their playful personalities and trainability. Embrace their charm by learning more about them, sharing your pet’s antics, or supporting small animal rescues.
History of American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day
Many people dislike rats and mice because they mostly destroy property and cause diseases. However, lab rats and mice are exceptions. All rats and rice are not the same; thus, we should treat the fancy rat and mouse differently. These animals are intelligent and adorable; moreover, they are clean.
Rat fancy as a formal, organized hobby began on October 24, 1901, when a woman named Mary Douglas requested permission to bring her pet rats to an exhibition of the National Mouse Club at the Aylesbury Town Show in England.
The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (A.F.R.M.A.) promotes these animals as good pets for everyone. A.F.R.M.A. is a non-profit International club founded in 1983. It aims to promote and encourage the breeding and exhibition of fancy rats and mice. To achieve this, the organization educates the public on the positive qualities of fancy rats and mice as companion animals and provides information on their proper care.
Competitive shows, similar to dog, cat, and rabbit shows, are held four times a year in Southern California. The animals undergo training in certain things; thus, judges evaluate them based on official standards for each type of mouse or rat. A.F.R.M.A. does not only organize a friendly competition with the animals but also has pet shows and information booths. These shows are for pets only, with fun classes for the animals regardless of their physical qualities. Fancy Rat & Mouse Day is a day where you should shed off your stigma for rats and mice and get to appreciate the fancy rat and mouse for their intelligence and adorability.
American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day timeline
The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association (A.F.R.M.A.) is born.
The first A.F.R.M.A. competition featuring rats and mice holds.
The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association celebrates 10 years of its existence.
The organization achieves 20 years of the A.F.R.M.A. competition.
American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day FAQs
American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day Activities
Donate to the cause
Celebrate the day by donating to the cause. Donations aid the continual good care of these animals.
Watch competitions for fancy rats and mice
It’s a great opportunity to sit at home with some popcorn and soda and just enjoy the entertainment provided by competing rats and mice as they win medals and trophies. You can become better acquainted with these beautiful creatures and get more comfortable around them.
Showcase your fancy rat and mouse at display events
Exhibit your fancy rat pet at a display event organized by American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association and show people just how adorable your favorite pet is. It’s a wonderful experience to have if you love fancy rats and small really cute animals.
5 Facts About Rats & Mice
Rats and mice can’t throw up
The anatomy of their stomach makes it practically impossible for them to throw up hence the reason they are picky with their food.
They have a monument in Russia
The courtyard of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics in Novosibirsk in Russia houses a bronze mouse measuring about six feet.
Rats have an incredible sense of smell
Their sense of smell is only second to elephants and a long way ahead of humans.
Mice are clean, tidy, and organized
Mice have specific areas for sleeping, storing food, and going to the toilet in their burrows.
An animation gave them mass appeal
The beloved Mickey Mouse was the world’s first animated mouse and gave a good rep to mice all over the world.
Why We Love American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day
It encourages donation
The day encourages donation. With these donations, the animals can be better taken care of and bred.
It educates people
With the stigma against rats and mice in general, the day helps to educate people. This way, more people can have fancy rats and mice as pets in their homes.
Overlooked rats and mice get their day
We love animals and are excited that rats and mice are given a day when they are celebrated. The display shows and competitions make us even prouder of our beautiful furry friends and allow us to showcase what amazing creatures they are.
American Fancy Rat & Mouse Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 12 | Thursday |
| 2027 | November 12 | Friday |
| 2028 | November 12 | Sunday |
| 2029 | November 12 | Monday |
| 2030 | November 12 | Tuesday |
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